ABSTRACT
Electrolytes are substances that produce electrical conductivity when dissolved and are present in the form of anions and cations. Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are the most important electrolytes which are clinically relevant. The electrolytes are consumed with food and drinks and are also produced in the body through chemical reactions. The electrolyte homeostasis is not only based on excretion through kidney, stool and sweat but also by trans-cellular shift. The electrolyte levels are thus maintained in a reasonable range. The deficiency or excess of electrolytes results in diverse clinical manifestations affecting the central nervous system, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, gastrointestinal and other systemic abnormalities. One electrolyte abnormality may be coexistent with other electrolyte abnormality and may have overlapping clinical manifestations. The causes, clinical manifestations, investigations and treatment of deficiency and excess of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are been presented.
